Mosquito Control
Mosquitoes in Rifle test positive for West Nile virus
Mosquitoes in a Rifle testing area have turned up positive for West Nile virus. This the second site in Garfield County to test positive, after mosquitoes in Battlement Mesa were identified a week earlier.
There have not been any human cases of West Nile reported in Garfield County so far this year. As of August 28, the state has reported 30 human cases of the virus, 12 hospitalizations, and two deaths.
Mosquito operations in Garfield County
To reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illness, Garfield County traps and tests adult mosquitos to assess an area’s risk for West Nile virus. In identified risk areas, mosquito larva is treated to reduce mosquito populations.
The program operates countywide in unincorporated and municipal areas, to provide cost-effective, integrated mosquito management operations.
Vector Disease Control International (VDCI) acts as the contractor for the program, using environmentally sensitive technologies to control mosquito populations without negatively impacting the environment. Periodically, adult mosquito populations become such that VDCI must do an Ultra Low Volume (ULV) insecticide spray application to reduce populations to tolerable levels and lower risk for West Nile virus.
Garfield County recognizes that many people are involved with organic farming and home gardening. VDCI has products certified by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) for use on or near organic crops. Technicians are trained to apply these organic products to larval mosquito areas around organic operations.
Anyone who would like to be notified when mosquito spraying applications are to take place or to ensure insecticides are not sprayed near their property should contact VDCI or for more information on VDCI and OMRI-certified products, call 970-440-0158 or visit the VDCI webpage.
For more information on Garfield County West Nile virus prevention, contact Garfield County Environmental Health at 970-665-6373 or by email.
West Nile prevention, diagnosis, and treatment
In Colorado, some mosquitoes carry the West Nile virus, a rare but serious illness.
The virus circulates in sick birds from June to early September. It is transmitted to people when Culex tarsalis mosquitos bite an infected bird and then bite a person.
Most people show no symptoms, but in rare cases, the virus can cause serious brain infections. There is no vaccine to prevent West Nile Virus. The only way to reduce your risk is to take precautions to avoid bites.
The 4-D’s of prevention
Drain standing water
– A mosquito can lay up to 300 eggs in a puddle the size of a bottle cap.Dusk and dawn – limit activity
– This is when mosquitoes are most active.Deet or other repellents
– Repellents work by helping to prevent mosquitoes from biting you.Dress appropriately
– Wear long sleeves and pants.Mosquito reports
For copies of Garfield County annual mosquito reports, please email Environmental Health.